Troy Aikman, a former NFL quarterback, has amassed a net worth of $65 million. This fortune comes from a combination of his successful football career, lucrative broadcasting contracts, business ventures, and endorsement deals.
Throughout his 12-season tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, Aikman not only became a three-time Super Bowl champion but also a highly recognized sports personality.
NFL Career Earnings
Troy Aikman was drafted first overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft. Over the course of his career, Aikman earned a total of $55.5 million in salary and bonuses.
At the height of his career, Aikman was the highest-paid player in the NFL, securing an eight-year, $50 million contract with the Cowboys, which included an $11 million signing bonus.
Adjusted for inflation, this contract would be worth around $90 million today. His base salary was also impressive, with Aikman earning as much as $7.5 million per year in his final seasons.
This financial success was a testament to Aikman’s elite performance on the field, where he led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories and six Pro Bowl selections.
Broadcasting Career
After retiring from football in 2000 due to persistent injuries, Troy Aikman seamlessly transitioned into a career in broadcasting.
Aikman initially joined Fox Sports, where he quickly became one of the most well-known analysts in sports broadcasting.
Over the years, his broadcasting salary increased substantially, and by 2019, he was earning $7.5 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid sports broadcasters.
However, in 2022, Aikman made a major move to ESPN in a deal worth $90 million over five years. This contract, which pays Aikman $18 million per year, was a significant boost to his income and was part of a larger shift in the broadcasting world, as ESPN sought to secure top talent for its NFL coverage.
With this new deal, Aikman is poised to nearly double his NFL earnings during his tenure at ESPN.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
In addition to his salary from playing and broadcasting, Aikman has generated substantial income from endorsements.
Throughout his career, Aikman signed deals with major brands, capitalizing on his status as one of the most recognizable faces in football.
His post-NFL business ventures also contributed significantly to his wealth. Aikman co-owns a NASCAR racing team called Hall of Fame Racing, which was established in 2005 in collaboration with Roger Staubach, another former Cowboys quarterback.
Aikman is also a minority owner of the San Diego Padres, a Major League Baseball team, which adds another layer of financial stability to his portfolio.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Aikman has invested wisely in real estate over the years. Following his divorce from his first wife, Rhonda Worthey, in 2011, Aikman put their $27 million mansion in Highland Park, Texas, up for sale, making it one of the most expensive homes listed in Texas at the time.
Although the house did not sell immediately, Aikman still owns the property.
Additionally, he purchased a new $4.3 million home in the area in 2013, which he later sold for $5.4 million in 2015. His real estate portfolio reflects his wealth and status as a successful businessman.
Personal Life and Divorce Settlement
Troy Aikman’s personal life has also been publicized, particularly his high-profile marriages. He married publicist Rhonda Worthey in 2000, and the couple had two children before divorcing in 2011.
As part of their divorce settlement, Aikman paid Rhonda half of their $27 million home’s value, as well as $2 million in cash. He also assisted her in purchasing a new home worth $1.5 million.
Following the divorce, Aikman became engaged to fashion retailer Catherine Mooty, and they married in 2017. However, by June 2023, Aikman was reportedly separated from Catherine Mooty and was in a new relationship.
